THE DRAGON LANDS
Originally called Longdenglu or Dragon Lands; this vast land stretches from the southern arctic wastes to the equator in the north. Vast deserts, lush forests, colossal mountains and grasslands make the Dragon Empire of fertile and beautiful land. It lies to the southwest of the Western Kingdoms and West of Afar.
Huge fertile river basins have given rise to some of the oldest cultures in Yore. For millennia the families, monarchies and dynasties rose and fell. Then 3000 years ago Longdenglu was conquered by the Dragon Lords, these terrifying and fearsome beasts conquered the land firstly through guile and surreptitiously and then through force. For two thousand years they bullied and tyrannised the people of Longenglu. Exacting cruel punishments to those who rebelled. Eventually, the Shinzoi and their allies revolted against their masters and overthrew them forming the Dragon Empire in its stead.
The Dragon Empire is stereotyped by its Lacquered wooden pagoda architecture, cherry blossoms and Geisha. Whilst not uncommon, it is in the minority.
Races
Shinzoi
Shinzoi have ruled The Dragon Empire for nearly a thousand years, originally, they were subjugated by the Dragons that ruled these lands. But after an uprising and the Shinzoi overthrowing the yoke of their Dragon masters, they now rule. However, the current Emperor faces one of the toughest times the Empire has ever faced. The Obaki Empire began a large-scale invasion; much land was lost to these Hobgoblins. The Emperor ordered a huge wall to be built across the Dragon Empire, effectively cutting off the Northeastern part of the country. The wall runs for thousands of miles and is protected by the greatest army the Lands of Yore has ever seen. The Wall stands over a hundred feet high, and interspersed along it are massive fortress-like gates acting as barracks and supply stations. The wall is continuously manned with regular guard posts and patrols. Huge signal drums adorn the wall alerting those along it to where the next attack is taking place. The Shinzoi are descended from Dao and Xianu stock, they are in fact Half Ael.
They stand around 5’10” tall, are lithe, and have pale complexions. Their hair is typically black and straight and their eyes are almond-shaped and dark, although some do have purple eyes. The ears are very slightly tapered at their tips. The average Shinzoi lives for around 120 years.
They along with the other races revolted against the Dragon Lords and eventually defeated them. They did have a little help from some of the Dragons who allied with the Shinzoi in the war. Because of this, a Dragon called Meili has served as counsel to the Emperors of the Dragon Empire. Recently it was announced that Meili has become the current Emperor's consort and they have born a child called Shenlong, who is the heir apparent to the Dragon Empire.
Dao
The Dao are the original native tribes people of an area known as Longdenglu, they are tall people with swarthy skin, dark hair and eyes. They have long and complex traditions that are steeped in ritual. They are artists, musicians and artisans firstly but are also skilled warriors and horsemen. Sorcerers have long found a place within Dao society being revered as sage and wise folk. Dao culture is renowned for its use of bright colours and aesthetic design. They spent millennia in servitude to the Dragon Lords but they were allowed to flourish under them.
Houren (ore-en)
Are a race of evolved baboon that have become fully sentient and skilled in the use of tool making and easily learn languages. Originally nomadic tribes they eventually settled as farmers of remote places, this caused them to have little interaction with the Dao. Houren are famed for their immature behaviour, lechery and ability to consume alcohol. Whilst they do have a somewhat bad reputation they are also fiercely loyal to their family and friends. The Shinzoi were the first to accept the Houren as a “people” and were made part of the Dragon Empire. They stand slightly hunched at around 5’ tall, most are heavy-set with very defined musculature. Their arms are overly long compared to their legs but this does mean that when a Houren runs it will use all fours and can take a considerable turn of speed. Houren has short dense fur that is usually grey, light brown or auburn. Their elongated snout means they can still effectively bite. Houren are incredibly strong and are feared when angered it is well known a Houren can rip an arm off an opponent. Houren alpha males develop distinctive facial markings like those of Mandrill.
Airen (eye-ren)
Airen are another subspecies of Duer, they have dark yellow skin, long fine dark hair, almond-shaped dark eyes and tapered ears. They are slightly lighter in frame compared to their foreign kin but also more proportionate. Renowned artisans and engineers, these people have had the respect of the Dragon Lords, Dao and Shinzoi for millennia. There are also skilled musicians and their fondness of the pipeweed is unparalleled. A typical Airen dwelling is functional but heavily embellished. Males and females are distinctly different from each other, unlike many western Duer who can sometimes be confused for each other.
Xianu (chen-u)
The Xianu are an ancient Dark Ael people that migrated from the western kingdoms over 10,000 years ago, they quickly found themselves under the predation of the Dragon Lords of Longdenglu so hid themselves away in forests, canyons and caves. The Xianu welcomed Dao refugees and escapees for centuries living alongside each other in remote and isolated areas. Because of this, they came into conflict with the Houren and until recently this was still an issue for many Xianu and Houren. The Xianu hate the hobgoblin with an unprecedented passion and many young Xianu have joined the Imperial Army to fight against them. The union of the Xianu and the Dao spawned the Shinzoi these half Xianu have now grown so prolific in numbers that they are the single largest race.
Duan (Do-an)
Wherever Shinzoi are found the Duan are also, these cousins to the Halfling are as much a part of the Shinzoi culture as the Shinzoi. The Duan are dark-haired, with large almond-shaped dark eyes, pale complexion and long tapered ears. The fulfil many roles that make the Dragon Empires wheels turn. Easily mistaken for Shinzoi children at first glance.
Xiao (chi-ow)
This forest dwelling folk are significantly reduced to what they were. Most come from the North-Eastern provinces of the Dragon Empire and have been forced to migrate south and west. Thousands upon thousands have been killed by the Obaki Empire, and those that didn’t flee are feared to be dead. These once vibrant folk are under a melancholy due to the loss of their kin. They gather together in small quiet ghettos where they live day to day with little joy or purpose.
Shouren (shoo-ren)
Of mixed heritage of Dao and Oni blood, the Shouren were once outcasts in many societies. Now they are well regarded for their fierceness and strength; the Shinzoi welcomed them and they typically hold positions within the Army or in law enforcement.
Guaiwu (gwai-wu)
The Hobgoblin are a brutal and disciplined type of Oni with Grey skin, fanged teeth and small horns. They have united under a single leader and the Obaki Empire has risen. This organised, well-supplied and martial nation of Hobgoblin has stormed its way across the Dragon Empire and has taken nearly a quarter of the country in a short time. Only the Great Wall has slowed their progress but even with this obstacle, it seems only a matter of time before they breach the wall.
Religion
Religion in the Dragon Empire is a curious mix of Pagan beliefs mixed with a modern philosophy of self-empowerment. Highly ritualistic in form it seeks to appease the environment and to find inner peace for one’s self. The use of meditation and prayer are core parts of this. Many shrines are found where small sacrifices are offered normally simple sacrifices, food, drink, coin or a token of some form. Monasteries have been built as places of learning for those that seek the path of self-enlightenment. Many Adepts began their paths in such places.
Trade and Currency
The comment coin of the Dragon dynasty is still silver like the Western Kingdoms however there are many other types of currency in use in the Dragon Empire – coins are quite distinctive as they all have a square hole in the centre, which is for a cord to be threaded. They also have markings showing their origin and a charm inscription (although non-magical).
Coin Value Copper Silver Gold
Copper 1 10 5000
Silver 1/10 1 500
Gold/Jade 1/5000 1/500 1
However, there are also trade ingots these normally come in specific values to make counting and transportation easier.
Value
Dragon Bit 10 Silver
Silver Ingot 250 Silver
Gold Bar 5000 Silver
Jade Disk 10000 Silver
Technology
The Dragon Empire has access to a printing press, they make firearms and explosives and have fireworks. However, they do not possess clockwork or steam technology.
Food and Drink
Dragon has a highly diverse food palate, due to regionalisation and availability of resources. To the south of the country, the mainstay is rice where as to the north noodles and bread are. The use of simple root vegetables and pork make up the bulk of everything else; this is where spice is the key component of Longdenglu cuisine. Dim Sum is popular as is the traditional Moon Cake which is served at festivals. Baijiu is a white spirit that is popular as is Rice Wine. Tea is drunk throughout the Dragon Empire by both the nobility and the peasantry Longjing or Dragon Well Tea being the favourite. Imported beer from the Western Kingdom is also highly prized but is a luxury.
Archetypes
Warrior – samurai, swordsman, soldier,
Archer – huntsman, ranger, scout
Assassin – ninja,
Archer – ranged specialist
Mystic – arcane magic witch, wizard, sorcerer
Shaman – divine magic,
Scoundrel – bandit, outlaw, cutthroat, thug, corsair
Warrior – a warrior specialising in the use of a sword utilising both offensive and defensive stance
Arcane Magic requires the using Talismans, floating supernatural writings that can be consumed or unleashed to great effect—to protect or attack
Húlijīng or Fox Spirit
May either be a benevolent or malevolent spirit, among which the nine-tailed fox, Jiuweihu or ‘nine-tailed fox'), is the most famous.
When a fox is fifty years old, it can transform itself into a woman; when a hundred years old, it becomes a beautiful female, a spirit medium, or an adult male who has sexual intercourse with women. Such beings can know things at more than a thousand miles' distance; they can poison men by sorcery, or possess and bewilder them so that they lose their memory and knowledge; and when a fox is a thousand years old, it ascends to heaven and becomes a celestial fox.
Guardian lion
Foo Lions are mythological Chinese lions, though many depictions of them bear more similarity to dogs than felines.
Kenku
Spider goblin
Sunrise Valley
Land of Green Hils